Anthony Taberna's wife to appear in INC play

MANILA -- Rossel Taberna, the wife of ABS-CBN's broadcaster Anthony Taberna, is set to make her acting debut in the play "Sugo: The Last Messenger", according to Kris Aquino.

"Sugo" was initially planned as a biographical film on the life of Felix Manalo, the first Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) which is celebrating its centennial anniversary this coming Sunday.

"They are supposed to make it a movie, 'yung 'Sugo. It's now a play and she's part of that," Aquino announced on "Aquino & Abunda Tonight" on Monday.

Earlier Monday, the Taberna couple were among those who witnessed the unveiling of INC's Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

In 2012, the INC announced that actors Richard Gomez, Albert Martinez and Bong Revilla Jr. will star in the movie, which was supposed to be directed by Tikoy Aguiluz.

As late as last year, the movie was still a go, although it was announced that Revilla will no longer be part of the project because of his alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam.

Meanwhile, Aquino, a devout Catholic, congratulated the INC after they publicly unveiled their indoor stadium, an event which was attended by her brother, President Benigno Aquino III.

"If you are part of the INC at least mararamdaman mo na 'yung tina-tithing ko ay may bonggang pinupuntahan," Aquino said, referring to the contributions of INC members.